Abstract
This study is an investigation of application of soil and water conservation practices as its’ contribution to the livelihoods of smallholders of Sonka, Mender 49 and Mender 46 Kebelesin Bambasi District of Northwestern Ethiopia. In order to address the objectives, both primary and secondary data were used for the study.
The study applied a non-experimental design (explanatory) to collect primary data from a sample of 270 households drawn from the three Kebeles. Stratified random sampling technique was also used along with the simple random sampling technique. The data collected was then analyzed by inferential statistics such as chi-square and Microsoft office Excel. Perceptions of respondents of factors influencing the adoption of SWC technologies, extent of using these SWC practice, their application on farmers’ livelihoods as well as their benefits were analyzed. In addition, the relationship between the number of SWC technologies adopted and factors affecting their adoption as well as an access to the livelihood assets were analyzed. Adoption extent of SWC technologies was analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The study found out that most adopted SWC technologies are crop rotation, level bund, agricultural inputs and FanyaJuu terraces, as well as the increase of availability of fodder for their livestock. The statistical test showed that farm size, crop yield, perception of soil erosion, availability of inputs supports, the availability of training and access on it as well as farmers’ experience, Natural and social assets and steep slope have a connection with adoption of SWC technologies.
Keywords: Adaptation, livelihood assets, Agricultural technology, small holders, soil erosion
